One of the largest PCO organisations in Europe, the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO), has joined the European Federation of the Associations of Professional Congress Organisers (EFAPCO).

ABPCO was involved in the initial discussions to establish EFAPCO, which were held at the beginning of 2004, and the decision to join as a founder member was ratified by members at ABPCO's business meeting held on 18th June.

EFAPCO was formally launched at the 'IMEX 2004' exhibition in Frankfurt. ABPCO joins an impressive list of other founding members including national PCO associations from Belgium, Greece, Italy, Poland, Portugal and Spain.

Primary objectives include lobbying for greater recognition and support for the conference sector within the newly extended European Union, the provision of networking and educational opportunities, research activity, and the generation of increased international business for Europe's professional congress organisers.

Peter Mainprice, the Immediate Past Chair of ABPCO who completed his term of service as Chair on 18th June and has been particularly instrumental in leading ABPCO's participation in EFAPCO, commented: "We are keen to see EFAPCO developing into a role that complements the activities of its member trade and professional associations on the international stage.

The importance of having a single, strong 'federal' voice in Europe with the backing of major national organisations such as ABPCO will help to influence politicians and business leaders, as well as helping to secure an improved competitive edge for the region."

Zacharias Kaplanidis, President of EFAPCO and also President of the Hellenic Association of Professional Cognress Organizers (HAPCO), said: "Members of EFAPCO's Executive Board and I greet British participation in EFAPCO. It will strengthen the Federation and, as a result, help us to achieve the objectives we have set for EFAPCO."